Cod Liver Oil
Cod liver oil is an excellent source of nutrients, and it may have some important therapeutic properties and is one of the most popular supplements on the market.
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It is worth mentioning Cod liver oil and fish oil are two different health supplements. They come from different fish sources and have unique benefits.
general info
Cod liver was first used in medicine in 1789, to treat rheumatism, followed by rickets in 1824. By the 1930s, it was frequently given to children to help prevent rickets and other conditions caused by vitamin D deficiency.
Other fish oils are extracted from the tissue of deep sea cold water fish, including tuna, trout, mackerel, herring, salmon, and cod.
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Cod liver oil comes only from the livers of cod. It contains less omega-3 fatty acids than regular fish oils, but more vitamins A and D.
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Cod liver oil supplements may have health benefits and are available to purchase online, however It is important to ensure that cod liver oil and other supplements come from a reputable source and that they meet the requirements of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
fish oil vs cod liver oil
The health benefits of both fish oil and cod liver oil come from their high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids support many body systems and may prevent a number of ailments. The human body can’t make its own omega-3 fatty acids, which is why you need to include them in your diet.
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Fish oil is usually extracted from the flesh of fatty fish such as; herring, tuna, anchovies, mackerel, salmon, where as Cod liver oil, as the name implies, comes from the livers of codfishes. Atlantic cod and Pacific cod are most commonly used to make cod liver oil.
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Fish oil and cod liver oil supplements come in capsule and liquid forms. Supplements 'usually contain less mercury than fresh fish.'
warnings
Both fish oil and cod liver oil are generally considered safe, but you should still talk with your doctor before taking them. Both fish oil and cod liver oil might cause minor side effects, and they may not be safe for all people:
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People with heart and blood conditions should be cautious about taking either fish oil or cod liver oil.
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It’s unknown if fish oil or cod liver oil are safe for people with fish and shellfish allergies.
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Diabetes:
Cod liver oil or other fish oils might increase blood sugar in people with diabetes, but it's not clear if this is a major concern. Cod liver oil might also lower blood sugar levels and increase the effects of some antidiabetes drugs. If you have diabetes and use cod liver oil, monitor your blood sugar levels closely.
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Vegans & Vegetarians:
Cod liver oil is a fish oil supplement, directly derived from fish and therefore unsuitable to both vegans and vegetarians.
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Possible Interactions:
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Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with COD LIVER OIL
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Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with COD LIVER OIL
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Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with COD LIVER OIL
uses
Fish oil in general is considered helpful in areas of:; heart health, mental health, inflammatory ailments, pregnancy, breastfeeding but could also help: support healthy brain development and function, prevent mental health disorders, reduce inflammation and pain (associated with rheumatoid arthritis), support skin health, support pregnancy, fetal development, and breastfeeding, support liver health.
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Cod liver oil in general is used as a supplement to help with a wide variety of conditions some of which are:
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High in Vitamins A and D:
Cod liver is rich in fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins A and D, which give it an impressive nutrient profile. A single teaspoon provides 90% of your daily requirements for vitamin A and 113% of your daily requirements for vitamin D.
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Inflammation:
The omega 3-fatty acids in cod liver oil may reduce chronic inflammation (Inflammation is a natural process that helps the body fight infections and heal injuries), by suppressing the proteins that promote it. Cod liver oil also contains vitamins A and D, which are powerful antioxidants. They can reduce inflammation by binding and neutralising harmful free radicals
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Bone Health:
Cod liver oil is a great dietary source of vitamin D and may reduce age-related bone loss. That’s because it helps your body absorb calcium, which is a necessary mineral for strong bones, from the gut.
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Depression & Anxiety:
Many studies have found that the omega-3 fatty acids in cod liver oil can lower inflammation and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Moreover, many studies have also found a link between increased blood levels of vitamin D and a reduction in symptoms of depression
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Stomach & Gut Ulcers:
Animal studies indicate that cod liver oil may help treat ulcers, particularly in the stomach and gut.however more human studies are needed, (Ulcers are small breaks in the lining of the stomach or gut. They may cause symptoms of nausea, upper abdominal pain and discomfort.)
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Joint Pain & Rheumatoid Arthritis:
Cod liver oil helps to reduce inflammation, so it may help reduce joint pain in those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. it is a common supplement taken by those with arthritis.
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Eye Health:
Cod liver oil is a great source of omega-3 and vitamin A, both of which may protect against vision loss from inflammatory eye diseases like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
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Heart Disease:
Studies have shown people who regularly eat fish have a much lower risk of heart disease. This effect can be attributed to its omega-3 fatty acid content. please note however that while taking fish oil supplements like cod liver oil may reduce risk factors for heart disease, there is little evidence that it can prevent heart disease or strokes.
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It is always worth mentioning that you should get the advice of your doctor before you consider taking supplements especially if your looking to improve health outcomes for any possible medical conditions you may have. The internet is rife with people trying to sell you miracle cures and quick fixes for serious conditions so please consult a Doctor before trusting a random person who is trying to sell you a supplement (even if their wearing a white coat.)
Preparations & dosage
The information on this website is intended for general information purposes and is for educational purposes only, and to inform the reader about traditional remedies and approaches in Herbal Medicine. Individuals should always see their health care provider before administering any suggestions made on this website as it is not a replacement for professional medical advice or treatment.
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In our research we have found that oil supplements tend to be better than the softgel, capsule or tablet forms.
Oil:
A cold-process method used to extract the oil & preserve the delicate nutrients.
Do not exceed the stated recommended daily dose given by manufacturer
Softgel:
A softgel is an oral dosage form for medicine in the form of a specialised capsule. They consist of a gelatin based shell surrounding a liquid fill.
Do not exceed the stated recommended daily dose given by manufacturer
Therapeutic dosing range:
Cod liver oil has most often been used by adults in doses of 15-20 mL by mouth daily for up to 4 months. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
